Homeowners Insurance & Water Leaks: What You Need to Know

Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home and cause significant frustration. There are different scenarios that lead to such issues, including faulty plumbing systems, frozen pipes, and storm damage.

While reputable specialists in leak detection in Riverside and the area can help you prevent this type of problem and efficiently solve it in case it occurs, it’s important to be aware of what leak damage scenarios homeowners insurance does and does not cover. Read on for more details. 

What damage does homeowners insurance cover?

Water damage is one of the common household problems, with a variety of issues that may cause it. Unfortunately, there’s a limited number of water damage situations that your homeowners insurance will fully cover. These include:

  • Accidental or sudden water damage
  • Water damage caused by storm
  • Flood damage – in case you have flood insurance
  • Accidental sewer overflow or backup – may require endorsement

Homeowners insurance only covers water damage when the cause is accidental or sudden. For instance, if you had a pipe burst out of the blue, the insurance policy will likely cover the damage. 

What damage does homeowners insurance coverAdditionally, certain policies can cover the resulting damage. This is the damage that occurs as a result of the initial problem. For example, if the pipe burst destroyed a wall nearby, you may be reimbursed for the cost of wall restoration. 

However, not every policy will cover the resulting damage, and it’s best to carefully read it through to understand what exactly it includes. It’s important to keep in mind that, if it does cover resulting damage it doesn’t necessarily extend to the sources of the leak. If a burst pipe caused resulting damage, the policy won’t necessarily cover the cost of pipe replacement. 

What damage doesn’t homeowners insurance cover?

Gradual damage is the main type of damage that homeowners insurance does not cover. As opposed to sudden or accidental damage, it results from the usual wear and tear. Over time, your plumbing system begins to deteriorate and becomes more susceptible to water leaks. 

The usual scenarios where gradual water damage isn’t covered by policy include:

  • Gradual damage leading to a pipe break
  • Lack of maintenance – if you failed to repair a leaky faucet and it later caused extensive water damage
  • Corrosion, rotting, and mold that occurs as result of water leaks
  • Foundation seepage – if your foundation lets water in through an existing crack
  • Roof damage – if a falling tree damages your roof and lets water in, insurance would cover the water damage and roof repairs, but it wouldn’t cover resulting damage such as mold

Regardless of your policy type and coverage limits, almost every policy excludes gradual damage and wear and tear coverage. However, for some policies it is possible to include gradual damage. 

To be completely sure about what your homeowners insurance policy does or does not include, you can reach out to an insurance agent to help you interpret the specific wording. 

Who are the leading experts in leak detection in Riverside & beyond?

What damage doesn’t homeowners insurance coverIf you’re considering using chemicals to clean your drains, or wondering whether you have a broken sewage pipe and how best to repair this issue, feel free to reach out to The Leak Detection Pros. We are a family-owned company providing our loyal clients with highest-quality services. Our technicians are all experienced experts using advanced equipment to efficiently detect leaks and provide systematic solutions.

We are also experienced in working with insurance companies, and we gladly offer our assistance should you decide to file a claim. Whether you need our help in Arlington or any other neighborhood, give us a call and we’ll be there!